DWTS’ Jenna Johnson, Val Chmerkovskiy Tease Season 34 FrontrunnerDWTS’

The dancer—who won last season with partner Joey Graziadei—noted, however, that contestants are all “going to be key players this season.” 

Jenna added, “So, it will be really interesting to see how the audience interacts and responds to them.” 

Along with Robert, Alix Earle and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives stars Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt are ready to cha-cha to the dancefloor this fall.

As for when viewers will notice who may become the fan favorite? According to Val, it’ll be easy to spot.

“I think it’s obvious when there’s a frontrunner pre-season, but there’s still so many elements,” he explained to E! at the Los Angeles event. “I hate to mention it—injury, but also just the chemistry, the vibe, the growth, the partnership.”

As he put it, “There’s so many things, so many variables that have to blossom.”

However, it’s anyone’s game with the pro—who, along with Phaedra Parks, was eliminated in week five—emphasizing, “You can’t possibly predict an entire season based on just the lineup.”

Instead, Val teased, “I’m the front runner.”

As we await more details about season 34, take a look back at all the stars who made their way onto the ballroom floor last fall.